LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF POLICY ON DOMESTIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS

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1 LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF POLICY ON DOMESTIC FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS Louth County Council as both a Housing and Fire Authority has a responsibility to encourage compliance and best practise with regard to standards of safety in the domestic setting. Over the last 5 years the average loss of life in this area has been two deaths per year with an average of 60 house fires per year. The Council as the Housing Authority are also the largest landlord with over 3,500 units across the county. This statement of policy consolidates the requirements of the Housing (Standards in Rented Dwellings), Regulations, 2009 and the Building Regulations, and also makes further recommendations in the general interest of public safety. The statement recommends specifically the use of 3 detectors. Smoke Detectors Heat Detectors Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors 1 Smoke and Heat Detectors 1.1 Legislative/Regulatory requirements: Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations ( ) requires the provision of warning systems to alert the occupants of a dwelling to a fire in time to allow them to escape from the dwelling. New dwellings constructed on or after 1 st July, 1998 should contain fire detection in keeping with the guidance provided in Technical Guidance Document B (2006) (see appendix 1 attached, for extract from Technical Guidance Document B (2006) giving guidance on: Grades of fire detection and alarm systems; Fire detection and alarm system types; and Installation of smoke and heat alarms.) In general, the normal LD2 type (see BS 5839 Part 6: 2004) smoke and heat detection system should be provided in dwellings in accordance with the recommendations of the Technical Guidance Document. The LD2 system requires hard-wired smoke detectors in circulation areas/escape routes and a heat detector in kitchen areas where smoke detectors could give false alarms due to cooking, steam, toasters, etc. Smoke detectors are optical devices and will not pick up CO which is colourless. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 1

2 Dwelling houses with more than 3 storeys, large houses, or where the fire risk so warrants, should be provided with LD1 systems, which will provide a higher level of life safety. Building constructed prior to 1 st July, 1998 may be provided with fire detection based on battery operated smoke detectors. Where smoke detectors are being fitted in existing dwellings, it is generally recommended that the detectors used be powered by ten year batteries Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, requires the provision, interalia, to every house (including local authority social housing units) of: a fire blanket; and mains wired smoke alarm or 2 no. 10-year self contained battery operated alarms. 2 Recommended Policy on the Provision of Smoke and Heat Detectors for Domestic Stock 2.1 Objectives: To continue to meet the requirements of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2008, and Part B (Fire Safety) of the Building Regulations ( ). 2.2 Recommendation: That all households, as a matter of policy install the required level and standard of smoke/heat alarms as follows For dwellings constructed after 1998, the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors in circulation areas/escape routes For dwellings constructed after 1998, the installation of hard wired heat detector in kitchen areas where smoke detectors could give false alarms due to cooking, steam, toasters, etc. For dwellings constructed before 1998, if hard-wired smoke detectors in circulation area/escape routes is not possible, the installation of at least two 10 year self contained battery operated alarms. For dwellings constructed before 1998, if hard-wired heat detector alarms is not possible, the installation of a 10 year self contained battery operated alarm. Manufacturer s Instructions to dictate location and quantity of units required in any dwelling. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 2

3 3 Carbon Monoxide Detectors 3.1 Introduction: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless, tasteless poisonous gas that is produced when any fossil fuel such as gas, coal, oil or wood is burnt without enough oxygen. Gas fired appliances can be particularly dangerous if operating in a faulty condition. A combination of faults and poor ventilation in a room may lead to a build up of carbon monoxide. 3.2 Reported incidences of fatalities from CO poisoning in Ireland: The danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning has been highlighted in recent years by regular reports in the media of fatalities resulting from such incidences e.g.: Dec a 50 year old man, his 12 year old daughter and 9 year old son in rural Co Sligo, apparently from gas generated by a coal fire; Jan a 35 year old woman at a hotel in Kinsale; August 2010 two teenagers in Co Antrim; Nov a couple in Co. Fermanagh; April 2010 a 67 year old man in Valentia, Co. Kerry; Sept two elderly women in Glenties, Co. Donegal; Dec a 20 year old in his bedroom in the family home in Westport, Co. Mayo; Dec two Brazilian immigrants in Gort, Co. Galway; Oct the sister and mother of singer Honor Heffernan at their home in Stoneybatter, Dublin 3.3 Legislative position current and expected: While Part B of the Building Regulations (2006) requires the provision of warning systems to alert the occupants of a dwelling to a fire in time to allow them to escape from the dwelling, there is currently no requirement to provide CO alarms either under the current Building Regulations (for new build units) or the current Rented Dwellings Regulations. However, the Building Regulations are currently under review and it is expected that a requirement for the installation of wired- in CO Alarms will be included as part of the revised Part J (covering heating appliances) of the Regulations. Such a provision in the revised Building Regulations is expected to give rise to a subsequent requirement under the Rented Dwellings Regulations for the retrofitting of CO Alarms (wired or long life battery operated). 3.4 Carbon Monoxide Detectors Relevant Technical Issues/Requirements Provision additional to smoke and heat detectors: Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in dwellings should be provided separately from, and in addition to, the smoke/heat detectors. CO detectors are usually set to react to Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 3

4 concentrations of CO in the air greater than 30ppm (parts per million). Many measure the exposure over time and will only alarm when a given concentration is present for greater than a specified time period. At a concentration of 300ppm, for example, a CO detector will not go into alarm mode until after three minutes have elapsed. Therefore, CO detectors cannot be relied upon to alert occupants to a fire in a dwelling in sufficient time for them to escape. They only react to CO and will not pick up the full range of gases associated with a fire. They are not recommended as a substitute for smoke or heat detectors, and must be provided in addition to such detectors. 4 Recommended Policy on the Provision of Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Domestic Stock. 4.1 Objectives: To safeguard occupants from the dangers posed by Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To acknowledge and take account of public concern with regard to this hazard 4.2 Recommendation: That households, as a matter of policy, install CO monitors and that these when installed should: Be wired into the mains electricity supply where refurbishment works are extensive enough to include rewiring or the provision of wired in smoke and heat alarms. In any event, be powered at a minimum by long life (10-year) batteries. Be located in the vicinity of the fuel burning source Manufacturer s Instructions to dictate location and quantity of units required in any dwelling. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 4

5 Appendix 1 Extract from Technical Guidance Document B (2006) Fire Safety Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Dwelling Houses A fire detection and alarm system can significantly increase the level of fire safety in a dwelling house and should be provided in accordance with the following guidance. BS 5839: Part 6: 2004, Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings, Part 6: 2004 Code of practice for the design and installation of fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings, provides guidance on the provision of fire detection and alarm systems in dwellings. This standard refers to different grades and types of fire detection and alarm systems, which can provide varying levels of protection. The grade and system should be selected and installed in accordance with the following paragraphs Grades of fire detection and alarm systems The grade of alarm system should be appropriate to the size of the dwelling house, the number of storeys and the fire risk. BS 5839: Part 6: 2004 provides for different grades of systems as follows: Grade A systems incorporate control and indicating equipment and are designed, installed and maintained in accordance with BS 5839: Part 1: 2002, but with some specific modified provisions Grade B systems incorporates fire detectors, fire alarm sounders and control and indicating equipment as specified in BS 5839: Part 6: 2004 Grade C systems incorporate fire detectors and alarm sounders (which may be combined in the form of smoke alarms) connected to a common power supply with standby supply and an element of central control Grade D systems are based on the provision of one or more mains-powered smoke alarms each provided with an integral standby power supply. They may also incorporate one or more mains powered heat alarms each with an integral standby power supply. All smoke alarms and heat alarms should be interconnected so that detection of fire by any one unit provides an audible alarm from each The grade of the system should be at least Grade D as described above. Guidance on the selection of grades of system for other situations, where the fire risk and size of the building so warrants, is contained in BS 5839: Part 6: Note: Grade E and F type systems, which are based only on battery or mains-powered smoke and heat alarms, are not acceptable for new dwelling houses Fire detection and alarm system types Dwelling houses should be provided with an LD1 or an LD2 fire detection and alarm system in accordance with BS 5839 Part 6: 2004 designed for the protection of life. An LD1 system incorporates suitably located and interconnected detectors throughout the dwelling house, including all circulation areas that form part of the escape route and in all rooms and areas in which a fire might start, other than toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 5

6 An LD2 system incorporates suitably located and interconnected detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape route and in all rooms or areas, such as kitchens and living rooms that present a high fire risk. Heat detectors should be provided in kitchens. Dwelling houses with up to three storeys above ground level should have at least an LD2 system. Dwelling houses with more than three storeys, large houses, or where the fire risk so warrants, should be provided with LD1 systems as appropriate, which will provide a higher level of life safety. Guidance on system types for different situations is contained in BS 5839: Part 6: Installation of smoke and heat alarms Two types of self-contained smoke alarm, an optical type and an ionisation type, which have differing smoke response characteristics, are available. A mixture of both types is recommended and in the case of a typical two storey dwelling house, an optical type on the ground floor storey and an ionisation type on the upper floor is the most appropriate. The number and location of smoke alarms and heat alarms will be determined by the system type (see ). In circulation areas, no door to a habitable room should be further than 7.5 m from the nearest smoke alarm. The location of smoke alarms, particularly in relation to doorways to bedrooms and the spacing of units, should be such as to ensure that the audibility requirements specified in BS 5839: Part 6: 2004 will be achieved. Smoke and heat alarms should preferably be fixed to the ceiling, at least 300 mm from any wall or light fitting. The method of fixing and location/spacing should take into account instructions provided by the manufacturer of the alarms. It should be possible to reach all smoke and heat alarms to carry out, easily and safely, routine maintenance such as testing and cleaning. Instructions on maintenance requirements should be provided with all smoke alarm systems. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 6

7 Appendix 2 Recommended installation location for Carbon Monoxide detectors In general, when installing a Carbon Monoxide detector, locate one in the room where the gas or oil appliance is located and another in the landing/hallway (upstairs in two storey dwellings). Note that CO is only slightly lighter than air and its presence in concentrations that will activate a detector can be affected by the temperature, ventilation characteristics, shape/dimensions of the space in which the detector is located and its proximity to a fuel burning appliance. In particular, locate and install a CO detector/alarm bearing in mind the following: Place out of the reach of children. Under no circumstance should children be allowed to handle or install the CO alarm. Install in a bedroom or hallway located close to the sleeping area. Take special care to verify the alarm can be heard in the sleeping areas. It is recommended that a CO alarm be installed on each level of a multilevel home. Locate at least 2 metres away from all fuel burning appliances. Detectors that have readable displays or indicator lights may need to be placed at eye level to allow for optimum monitoring, say as a guide, 1.5 metres above floor level. Ensure that all vents of the unit are unobstructed. Do not install in dead air spaces such as peaks of vaulted ceilings, or gabled roofs. Do not install in turbulent air from ceiling fans. Do not place near fresh air vents or close to doors and windows that open to the outside. Keep the CO alarm away from excessively dusty, dirty, or greasy areas such as kitchens, garages and boiler or utility rooms. Dust, grease and household chemicals can affect the sensor. Keep out of damp and humid areas such as the bathroom. Avoid spraying aerosols near the CO alarm. Do not install in areas where the temperature is below 40 F (4.4 C) or hotter than 100 F (37.8 C). Do not place behind curtains or furniture. Carbon Monoxide must be able to reach the sensor for the unit to accurately detect carbon monoxide. NEVER place the CO alarm on a table top or similar surface. Be aware of transient situations of high CO levels: In locating the CO detectors, bear in mind that certain conditions can result in transient CO situations, such as: Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 7

8 1) Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel burning appliances caused by outdoor ambient conditions, such as: Wind direction and/or velocity, including high gusts of wind. Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended periods between cycles). Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust fans. Simultaneous operation of several fuel burning appliances competing for limited internal air. Loose vent pipe connections from clothes dryers, boilers or water heaters. Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can amplify the above situations. 2) Extended operation of un-vented fuel burning devices (cooker, oven, fireplace, etc.). 3) Temperature inversions which can trap exhaust near the ground. 4) A car engine left idling in an open or closed garage, or near the home. Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 8

9 Appendix 3 Local Authority Advice to Occupants on Carbon Monoxide CARBON MONOXIDE You can t see it, smell it or taste it. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is produced when any fossil fuel such as gas, coal, oil or wood is burnt without enough oxygen. Gas fired appliances can be particularly dangerous if operating in a faulty condition. A combination of faults and poor ventilation in a room may lead to a build up of carbon monoxide. The warning signs the dangers to look out for: Orange or yellow gas flames; Gas flames should be blue. Sooty stains or discolouration on or around gas appliances. Increased levels of condensation in the room where the gas appliance is installed. Fumes or smoke in the house. Slower than usual burning of solid- fuels fires. Symptoms of CO poisoning: Drowsiness, Headaches, Visual problems, Dry throat, Nausea, Vomiting. CO Detector: A detector will alert you to the danger if carbon monoxide is present. You can be particularly at risk from CO poisoning in your asleep, because you may not be aware of any symptoms until it s too late. An audible CO detector could wake you up and save your life! To help protect you and your family it is advisable to install at least one CO detector and regularly have your gas appliances maintained by a registered gas service engineer (e.g. RGII). Suggested action if you suspect carbon monoxide in your home: Alert all occupants. Turn off the faulty appliance (you will need to get it checked out by a RGII registered engineer). Switch off your gas supply. Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room. If feeling unwell visit your doctor and advise him that your symptoms may be related to CO poisoning and request a blood and/ or breath sample is taken. If installing a Carbon Monoxide detector: then locate one in the room where the gas or oil appliance is located and another in the landing/hallway (upstairs in two storey dwellings). Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy 9